Dorothy Meek passed away on September 4, 2025, after a long, good life, age 92. Dorothy May Caldwell was born in Boston MA on July 21, 1933. She was the fourth of six children of Rita and Ralph Caldwell, who raised them in the Boston area, finally settling in Medford. They attended Medford Hillside Universalist Church, where Dorothy taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. After graduating from high school, Dorothy got a medical secretary degree at Mt. Ida Junior College (Newton MA).
Dorothy Meekand family
It was at Medford Hillside that she met Alexander “Scotty” Meek, an intern from Crane Theological School, and they married in 1956. Their son Stevan was born during their time at the Orange MA church, and their daughter Sherry joined the family while at the church in Lynn MA.
In Lynn, Dorothy found her calling: working with children. Over the years she cared for countless preschoolers in the many communities her family called home. Summers included time at Ferry Beach, the UU retreat center in Saco ME, where the family built lifelong friendships and memories by the ocean.
In 1983, after raising their children in Lynn MA and Rochester MN, Dorothy and Scotty served a series of interim ministries across the country—and even one in New Zealand. They lived in places as varied as Brooklyn NY; Little Rock; Houston; Laguna Beach, and Kansas City, always returning to General Assembly, which they attended faithfully for over 50 years. They cherished the camaraderie and good friends they found there.
For fun Dorothy loved games, crafts, and puzzles. She was a master cribbage player, and the dominos inevitably fell her way. She liked all sports, and their frequent moves gave her many “home teams” to root for. For many years their home base was Sun Lakes AZ, where they enjoyed being part of their desert community. After Scotty’s death, Dorothy moved to Arlington TX to be near her son Steve and his wife Lynn. She looked forward to visits from grandchildren and daughter, Sherry.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband and siblings. She is survived by her son Steve, daughter Sherry and grandchildren. As a memorial, please be kind to small children and large animals—especially giraffes. Donations in her memory can be made to Ferry Beach Retreat & Conference Center: 5 Boardwalk Drive, Saco ME, 04072. UURMaPA will also contribute to Ferry Beach.
The Rev. Dr. F. Everett “Ev” Morris died on June 21, 2025, at the age of 87 (1937-2025).
Ev is survived by his wife of twenty-five years Joan, his sons Dave and TR, his grandchild K, and Joan’s daughters Jeneen Bayer and Kira Auger.
A memorial service was held on September 12, 2025, at the Beacon Unitarian Church in New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Beacon Unitarian Church, Box 414, 407-552 Clarke Rd, Coquitlam BC V3J 0A3, or to the David Suzuki Foundation. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.
A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. It will be published in an upcoming issue of Elderberries and posted on the UURMaPA website.If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Rev. Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.
The Rev. Marjorie Montgomery died on April 20, 2025, at the age of 89 (1935-2025).
Marjorie was born on December 2, 1935, in Buffalo NY, to Edward F. Wesp and Florence Norton Wesp, both of whom were committed lay leaders of the Lutheran Church. As a child, she spent hours in the Lutheran Church and cultivated an early love of traditional church music. During high school, she was involved in American Friends Service projects, which sparked her interest in understanding mysteries beyond tangible realities. In 1957, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Music, specializing in piano and organ performance, from Wellesley College in Massachusetts. Following graduation, she taught private piano lessons and worked as a church choir director and organist. Thereafter, in 1959, she earned her Master’s in Religious Education from Union Theological Seminary in New York City.
In 1971, Marjorie made a significant decision to leave the Lutheran Church. After visiting a Unitarian Fellowship, she knew she had found her spiritual home. She was deeply moved by the UU atmosphere of intellectual openness, community service, diversity of opinion, growth of self and growth in relationships. She especially cherished the tradition’s ongoing search for ways to be both free and responsible. In pursuit of ministry with this new spiritual path, she earned her Master of Theology from Perkins School of Theology (Dallas TX) in 1976.
The Rev. Montgomery was ordained to the Unitarian Universalist ministry in 1977. Before her ordination, she served as a Director of Religious Education at the First Unitarian Church of Dallas TX (1975−1976). In 1976, she accepted a call from the First Church in Belmont MA, where she served until 1980. That year, she was called to All Peoples Church Unitarian Universalist in Fort Worth TX (previously First Jefferson UU Church), where she ministered for a decade until 1990. During her tenure, the church experienced a net growth of over 100 members, built a new sanctuary, expanded its adult education offering, and significantly increased its presence in the wider community. In recognition of her leadership, she was named minister emerita in 1995.
Following Fort Worth, the Rev. Montgomery served as an interim minister, helping the congregations in the time of change. She was a consulting minister for the UU Fellowship of Waco TX (1990−1992), and an interim minister to the UU Church of Las Cruces NM (1993); the UU Church of Tucson AZ (1994), and the First UU Church of Nashville TN (1995). From 1995–2001, she served as a religious education consultant for the Southwestern District, Fort Worth, TX. In 2001, she retired from ministry.
The Rev. Montgomery’s ministry was marked by genuine commitment and a keen sensitivity to the needs of others. She had a deep ability to accept people as they were, helped others find personal meaning in their lives, and was motivated to live a meaningful life not only for herself, but for all those around her. She could draw people to her; even in a large crowd, she somehow found a word for everyone.
In addition to her ministry, her services extended to the wider denomination. She served the Commission for Common Worship (1978−1982) and the Executive Committee of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers’ Association (UUMA) as a treasurer/secretary (1979−1983). She was President of the Southwest Chapter of the UUMA (1987−1989) and contributed to the Southwest UU Summer Institute. She remained an active participant of the Liberal Religious Educators Association (LREDA), the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee (UUSC), and facilitated the Retirement Planning Seminar in 1991. In community, Marjorie was a teaching advisor for Harvard Divinity School from 1978–1979. From 1990–1993, she served as a coordinator for CROP Walks for Hunger in Dallas TX, and was a member of the Dallas/Fort Worth Ministers Group.
In her leisure time, she found joy in a wide variety of creative pursuits. She enjoyed embroidery, sewing, piano, singing, hiking, biking, camping, swimming, skiing, card games, and macrame. Her son Philip shared, “Marjorie lived her life deliberately, and also lovingly.”
Marjorie is survived by her sons Philip and Richard, stepdaughters Janelle and Stacy, and granddaughters Natalie and Jessica. She is also survived by her sister Barbara Murry, and first cousin Jim Norton. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years Robert Duane Montgomery, former husband Dr. Joseph Terence Sams; and daughter Valerie.
A memorial service was held on May 8, 2025, at the Robert F. Jonas Chapel at Trinity Terrace in Fort Worth TX.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.
A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. It will be published in an upcoming issue of Elderberries and posted on the UURMaPA website.If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Rev. Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.
The Rev. Kent McKusick died on June 4, 2024, at the age of 72 (1952-2024).
Kent is survived by his spouse James Perrin; brother John McKusick; and nieces Amy O’Connel, Lisa Levasalmi, and Diane Wiley Czarnick.
A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on August 15, 2024, at the UU Society of Bangor, 120 Park St, Bangor ME 04401.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local theater where you live. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.
Notes of condolences may be sent to James Perrin at james.d.perrin@gmail.com or 5509 Wiltshire Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76135.
A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. It will be published in an upcoming issue of Elderberries and posted on the UURMaPA website.If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Rev. Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.
The Rev. Dr. Kenneth “Ken” Torquil MacLean died on May 29, 2024, at the age of 97 (1926-2024). Ken is survived by his partner Terry Watson and son Derek MacLean.
A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on September 21, 2024, at the Cedar Lane UU Congregation, 9601 Cedar Ln, Bethesda MD 20814.
The Rev. David More Maynard died on November 22, 2023, at the age of 77 (1945-2023).
David is survived by his wife, Jane; four brothers; four children; and five grandchildren. A memorial service was held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at the First Unitarian Church of Portland, 1211 SW Main St., Portland OR.
A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. It will be published in an upcoming issue of Elderberries and posted on the UURMaPA website.If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.
The Rev. Ronald “Ron” D. Marcy died on January 4, 2024, at the age of 87 (1936-2024).
Ron is survived by his wife Judith (Klein) Marcy; his two children: Glenn Lawrence Blumberg, and Suzanne Lynn Marcy; sister Joan Allen; as well as his two nephews: Mark, and David Allen. He was preceded in death by his only grandchild, Emily Rose Blumberg.
Ron’s ashes will be laid to rest by his family this Spring in his beloved Palmer, Massachusetts.
A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. It will be published in an upcoming issue of Elderberries and posted on the UURMaPA website.If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.
Karen Kristine Sandstrom Muir died August 17, 2023, at the age of 74 (1949-2023), in Ludington MI on a visit to family in Ludington MI with her husband, the Rev. Frederick Muir, minister emeritus of the UU Church of Annapolis.
She was born Jan. 31, 1949, the daughter of Maj. Donald Gustave Sandstrom, a career Army officer, and Kaethe Bonnekamp Sandstrom, in Staten Island NY. She lived in Germany for a brief period, then moved to Indianapolis where her father taught at Fort Benjamin Harrison. “When she entered kindergarten, she only spoke German,” the Rev. Muir said.
After graduating from high school, she attended Butler University, both in Indianapolis IN, on a debate scholarship, where in 1970 she earned her B.A. in history and social studies, then obtained an M.A. there.
She taught Social Studies for 40 years, in New York City, Sanford ME, then in Odenton MD, when she and Fred moved to Annapolis. He served as minister there for 34 years. She was active in Maryland Democratic politics. She was a fierce advocate of public education, world traveler, avid reader, movie lover, devoted Orioles baseball fan, and dessert enthusiast (most notably cookie dough).
“It was very important to her to have a safe teaching environment. She was very good working with middle school students. She looked at them as people and not as pains,” said colleague and friend Meg Kauder. To bring the outside world into her classroom, Ms. Muir embraced the World Wise Schools program, where students and teachers corresponded with Peace Corps volunteers in the Central African Republic.
Surviving are her husband Fred, a son Andrew Sandstorm Muir, daughter Kristina Muir, two sisters, Kathe Donna Sandstorm and Karalyn Sandstrom Young. A memorial service was held September 24, 2023, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis.
Sue Male died on May 14, 2022 at the age of 89. Her husband was the Rev. Don Male, who predeceased her.
Sue was born on Jan. 27, 1933 in Knoxville to her parents, Marie and Carl Anderson. Sue graduated from Knoxville High School in 1950. In 1952, while at UT Knoxville, she met and married John S.G. Williams. They had two children, Jennifer Williams Nourse and Carl Edward Parsons Williams. In 1957, she and John and Jennifer moved to Tullahoma. Divorced in 1967, Sue remarried in 1971 to “the love of her life,” Donald W. Male, and moved nearby to Manchester.
Sue was passionate about social justice issues, beginning initially as a volunteer for philanthropic organizations and political campaigns that met her social justice values. She proudly stated she was the “first white woman to join the local NAACP in the county” and played a role in typing up newsletters for the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Sue also helped to establish the first chapter of the National Organization for Women in the region.
During the late 1960s, Sue began work as an advocate for the founding of and administrator for the first Multi-County Mental Health Center. Moreover, Sue played a major role in establishing the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tullahoma, a church associated with progressive issues. Sue and Don also aided in financing the Unitarian Universalist Camp, the Mountain Retreat, in Highlands, NC.
Don’s three children, Sherry, Connie, and Peggy, and Sue’s two children enjoyed stays at “The Mountain.” In the late 1980’s and early 1990’s, Sue served as a UUA trustee representing the Southeast (TJ District).
In 1985, Sue completed her B.A. in urban planning at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, TN. She graduated magna cum laude, finding employment as a city planner for Rutherford County in Murfreesboro, including speaking on television about urban issues. Later, Sue accepted a position as a paralegal for the David Bolin Law firm in Smyrna.
During her final years as a widow, Sue moved to Richmond, VA, where her daughter, Jennifer, lives. Despite her declining health, Sue was still able to calculate arithmetic problems and work her daily crossword puzzles up until the last weeks of her life. Sue will be remembered for her kind heart, her determination and intelligence, and her love of family and friends.
She is survived by children, Jennifer Williams Nourse, PhD., Richmond, VA; Carl Edward Parsons Williams, Spartanburg, SC; Sherry Male, Nashville, TN; Peggy Male Lenny, Indian Rock Beach, Florida; Connie Male Wilson, Cookeville, TN; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A memorial service for Sue will be held in Knoxville at the Unitarian Universalist Church on June 4, 2022 at 2 p.m. where her remains will be interred next to her husband, Donald Warren Male.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Church of Tullahoma, TN, PO Box 331, Tullahoma, TN 37388. UURMaPA will donate $50 to the UU Church of Tullahoma in her memory.
Betty Maloney died Feb. 2, 2022 when, although fully vaccinated, she succumbed to COVID. She was the widow of Rev. Thomas J. Maloney.
She was born June 8, 1923, in Boston MA, to Walter and Elizabeth (Zepfler) Gartner. She attended Needham schools. Betty’s childhood summers were spent at her grandfather’s beach cottage in Minot on Boston’s south shore. Her fondest memories later in life were of Minot. She was a graduate of Middlebury College VT, with a major in economics; received an M.A. in Economics from Columbia University; and later an M.A. in Education from Southern Illinois University.
She married fellow Needham High graduate Thomas J. Maloney in 1948, a man possessed with Wanderlust. Tom completed degrees from Northeastern; the University of Colorado in Boulder; a Divinity degree from Harvard; and a PhD in Sociology/Anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis. In the year that Tom and Betty spent in Boulder, they became active in the Unitarian Fellowship (the first fellowship chartered by the American Unitarian Association) and welcomed their first daughter, Susan. Daughter Greta was born in Massachusetts; Lisa, was born in Davenport IA; and son Thomas Jefferson was born in Quincy IL.
Tom served ministries in Davenport IA; Quincy IL; and Boulder CO. He also taught Anthropology and sociology in Boulder; in Las Vegas NM; at Southern Illinois University; and started the Anthropology Dept. at Ripon College WI.
In Boulder, beyond raising four children, Betty was active in the League of Women Voters, Shares In the Future (anti-nuclear weapons), and library services to Boulder County. She helped obtain funding for a bookmobile and volunteered with the librarian. She was president of the League of Women Voters. In 1967 the family moved to Ripon, WI, where Betty was a fifth- grade teacher. In Edwardsville IL, she worked as a reading tutor.
In Edwardsville Betty really came into her own in community service: the Human Relations Commission, the Edwardsville Township Community Improvements Corporation, and the Historic Preservation Commission. Maloney counted the months of her service in Edwardsville with bricks from demolished buildings. “Oh, dear,” she would say, “this was a three brick month!”
She helped to create the N.O. Nelson Historic District, the Goshen Preservation Alliance, and Friends of the Edwardsville Public Library. She administered the Community Development & Rehabilitation Fund and oversaw surplus food programs for Edwardsville Township. She worked tirelessly for passage of the Equal Rights Amendment and debated Phyllis Schlafly on the issue. She received the NAACP Award, the Women’s Award, and the Jefferson Award for Distinguished Public Service in the St. Louis area.
In 2005 her husband Tom, “the light of her life, left her.” In 2013 she moved to Balfour in Louisville to be closer to daughter Greta. In 2016, due to increasing dementia, Betty moved to The Academy at Bella Vista. In 2019 Betty lost her eyesight to glaucoma but remained engaged in the world. She was a trivia champion at Bella Vista, a lifelong gardener, an artist, and very interested in genealogy. For years she sent individually painted holiday cards and cards with pressed flowers. As family historian, she compiled numerous books on branches of her family.
Betty is survived by her sister, Louise Birkhead of Slingerlands NY; daughters, Susan Thomae (Edmundo) of Mexico City; Greta Maloney (Bob Palaich) of Boulder CO; and Lisa Maloney Hahn (Dan Maloney Hahn) of Groton NY; her son, Tom (Jeff) Maloney (Lori) of Worden IL; seven grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.
